Monday, July 25, 2011

Burda 06-2011-111 - White short shorts

 Thanks to Allison and her upgrading Blogger instructions, I can now do all of the things I've seen on other blogs but couldn't figure out how to do - like super big pictures and crossing out words. Did I happen to mention that it's HOT here? So hot I considered putting off taking pictures of these shorts for a few days. But I was too excited about them so I braved the ensuing perspiration just to bring this post to you.

Holy cow, I haven't made anything from Burda magazine for a really long time! (I'm not mad at them, just have been busy with other patterns.) When I first signed up for a subscription 3 years ago, I had heard that their pants designs were the most like RTW, and I was really excited to try a pair. And then I chickened out got side tracked. Making pants and shorts is daunting to me because every time I've tried it something was off: the rear was wrinkled, the inseam too far towards the back or the waistband sitting too low in the back.

Enter this tunic, which has been unworn and hanging in my closet for over a year. I could not figure out what to wear it with. Not pants, not a skirt, not the mid-thigh white shorts I already own, not capris. It's a problem of proportion. I have a long torso but short legs, and have just discovered that shorts look best on me if they're on the short side - makes me appear taller. But not too short, I do prefer to be modest. And no vertical pockets please, those always jut out and make my hips look bigger. Hmmm, kind of a tall order to find at a department store. I suppose I'll have to break down and make my own.

I know they're kind of hiding under the tunic so here are some close ups for you: 
   Pretty rockin' fit, right? I traced the 38 and added 1/2" to all the side seams. Then I made a muslin. (It's my new thing. Makes sewing so much more fun and I don't waste fabric or rip out seams.) It actually fit without any fiddling. So I guess what I heard about Burda was true, they have well fitting pants and shorts. I left off the pockets - vertical side pockets are not my favorite - and made the view with the darts in front and not pleats. The hemline is somewhere between A and B with a 2.5" inseam.
The fabric is a medium weight cotton purchased recently from Denverfabrics.com. For the waistband facing, I used a cotton/poly blend broadcloth fused with interfacing to cut down on bulk. I also discovered that my machine makes a stitch similar to an overlock stitch. I accidentally spilled the remains of my frappachino on these shorts right as I was finishing them up, so they've already been through the washer/dryer and had minimal fraying. I'll be using this newly discovered stitch to finish off garments from now on.
 
 There's an invisible zipper at the left side:
 I used the same cotton/poly broadcloth to make hemline facings. On the muslin the hem puckered because it was smaller in circumference then the shorts. I was going to flare it out a bit to eliminate the problem but then thought I'd try this method instead in order to reduce bulk through the thighs.
 
Conclusion: I love them! I think the next pair will have a wee bit smaller leg holes though. This is a fast project. I traced off the pattern, sewed up the muslin, cut out the white fabric and got busy at the machine on Saturday, and only had a bit left to do after church yesterday. Now I'm off to work on my next project, a much-needed black denim pencil skirt. Stay tuned!

34 comments:

  1. Those are so cute!!!! Muslins are my new thing, too. It takes alot of pressure off.

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  2. Very cute! I love the short-shorts under a tunic look :)

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  3. Adorable with the tunic!

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  4. Very nice and I agree that shorts are one of those items that require proportion analysis. I think you got it just right with these. Love the no pocket look but I need pockets. Still working on that one! Your hem facings are great. The tunic is still beautiful. Stay cool.

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  5. They are just so cute!! Perfect fit too.

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  6. Very cute shorts and now I need to stop procrastinating and make up some Burda shorts.

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  7. Great shorts - love the darts. Might be time to start using some of my old BWOF patterns.

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  8. These fit you perfectly, and I really like the smooth darted look rather than pleats. I still think Burda draft the best pants &, clearly, shorts.

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  9. This is such a clean and chic look! Oh, how I wish I could wear shorts :)

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  10. These look fantastic. I'd don't know about making the legs narrower- they just look so good as they are. I too have been sooo busy not sewing the Burda pants. Thanks for the review.

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  11. Such cute shorts Amanda! You wear them well and look so cute.

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  12. Perfect shorts! So happy for you discovering lots of new things this week. :-)

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  13. I made a muslin pair of Burda pants for the first time a few months ago. I agree - once I picked the right size, the fit was amazing, straight away. Your shorts are perfection.

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  14. Fantastic job. They look awesome with your tunic. I actually think the flair of the leg openings work great with the tunic.

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  15. Cute shorts. They look awesome with the tunic. Great style on you!

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  16. Great shorts - the fit is perfect! Did I miss which issue you got this pattern from?

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  17. These shorts are a great success and fit you beautifully. I'm sure we will see more of these in the future! I'm jealous of your fab figure too...

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  18. Love the shorts! They look great with the tunic.

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  19. these are great shorts but I am a little confused... are they a Burda pattern that you buy in the store or do you have to subscribe to a magazine? I really need a good shorts pattern since I can never find one's that fit the way I want in the store. This one is a winner!!

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  20. Great shorts - they look fantastic on you, as well as looking really nicely sewn!

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  21. Your shorts look great! The Burda really worked well for you.

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  22. Awesome! They look great with the tunic and it looks like you got a great fit! You are brave to wear white but you look great!

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  23. Cute shorts,love the tunic. Is that RTW or yours? And yes, SA was hot yesterday -we had a dr appointment. Cannot wait for fall.

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  24. Cutest outfit ever! I just love the white shorts under the tunic.

    I have longer torso /shorter leg proportions, too. And, like you, I have always felt better in short shorts. Capris, not so much :)

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  25. Fabulous shorts. The quality of work you've done is impressive.

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  26. Very cute this shorts.I like the set of shorts with his tunic.

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  27. I have to declare that those shorts are 'the perfect shorts'. White, great fit, just the right length. I love them!

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  28. The fit and length are perfect - great look with the tunic. They really show off your legs. I want this look now!

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  29. These look great! And the perfect match for your tunic. Now you get to wear it, yay!

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  30. They flatter you very well and look fab peeking out from the tunic. Very nice job with the fitting!

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  31. Beautiful shorts! I love them with the tunic, btw, the tunic would look great with flared pants/jeans too!

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  32. Amanda, they look SO great! Nicely done...not a bad way to use a bit of fabric and a little time!

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  33. Wonderful as always!!!...I too have that" what do I wear with you tunic" that is sitting in my closet never worn..now I know what to make!! Thanks!

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